Way over on the eastern side of France in Alsace, sits the village of Kaysersberg, 20 minutes north of Colmar and one hour south of Strasbourg.
With its timber-framed colombage houses, cobbled streets, a backdrop of hills, and gurgling streams and rivers running through the centre, it has everything you need for a picturesque setting.
No surprise, then, that it was voted France’s favourite village in 2017.
It has not always been a French village, however. Officially part of France since 1648, it belonged to Germany from 1871 to 1918, and again from 1940 to 1944. The name Kaysersberg comes from the German for ‘Emperor’s mountain’.
You cannot fail to notice the impressive chateau that dominates the landscape. Built in 1200, this cylindrical keep is one of the oldest in Alsace, with walls more than four metres thick.
Its strategic position offers panoramic views across the entrance to the valley and even as far as Germany’s Black Forest. The chateau is free to visit, and those with enough energy can climb the 122 steps to gaze over the surrounding vineyards and the rooftops of the village.
Saint-Croix church
Another intriguing structure is Saint-Croix church, whose steeple can be seen from miles around.
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Its construction also dates back to the 1200s, apparently commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor Barbarossa, who sold his wife’s crown to fund the project.
Legend says that God was so touched by his piety, that he sent two angels to buy back the crown and return it to the emperor, who was able to complete construction within a year.
Traditional river houses are dotted around the villageVille Kayserberg
While the outside of the church is relatively plain, the interior is a showcase of artistic talent through the centuries, from the colourful stained-glass windows and polychromed wood carvings to the crucifix that stands over four metres tall.
Glass-blowing and museums
Opposite the church, visit the Verrerie d’Art on rue Général de Gaulle, a glass-blowing workshop and boutique.
As well as admiring the one-off, handmade pieces on display, you can watch the glassblowers practising their craft, turning molten glass into pieces of art.
In the same street, the Musée Historique is a charming little museum with free entry. Located in one of the grand ‘patrician’ houses, the museum has a diverse range of artefacts from archaeological finds through to a 15th-century wooden sculpture of Christ on a donkey.
Albert Schweitzer
A four-minute walk will take you to the Centre Schweitzer, a museum and visitor centre celebrating local hero Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965). The centre explores the humanitarian endeavours of Schweitzer, a doctor, theologian and philosopher.
In 1952, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophical treatise, Reverence for Life, but he is particularly known for his medical work in Africa, where he set up and funded hospitals.
Schweitzer was also a skilled musician and concert organist, who wrote a biography of JS Bach. Talk about being a man of many talents...
Once you have explored the picture-postcard streets of Kaysersberg, take time to stroll in the surrounding greenery and along the banks of the River Weiss.
You can even walk part of the famous Santiago de Compostela (The Way), following a 5.5km route leading from Kaysersberg through the vineyards to Kientzheim.
